Study on the effects of regulatory T cells on renal function of IgAN rat model.

OBJECTIVE: CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) plays a key role in maintaining immune tolerance. IgAN has a close relationship with the immune response. However the significance of CD4+CD25+ T cells to improve renal function of IgAN patients is not clear. The purpose of this study is to evaluate renal function of experimental IgAN rats treated by CD4+CD25+ Tregs cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CD4+CD25+ Tregs were separated from the blood of SD rats by immunomagnetic beads, and amplified in vitro. The amplified in vitro and cultured 2*106 CD4+CD25+ Tregs were infused intravenously into IgAN rat model, 3 times every other day. The serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, urinary protein and red blood cells were detected in the fourth and eighth week. The glomerular damage was evaluated by pathological analysis. RESULTS: Tregs cells can be amplified largely in vitro. After CD4+CD25+ T cells were infused into IgAN rat model, urine protein and red blood cells were improved. The glomerular injury can be improved by pathological analysis. CONCLUSIONS: CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells can significantly improve the symptoms of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) rat model, and have clinical application prospect.